ODM party leader Oburu Oginga has called for unity within the party, urging members to avoid internal divisions as the party undergoes a leadership transition following Raila Odinga’s exit from active politics.
Speaking during the funeral of their younger sister, Beryl Odinga, Oburu dismissed claims of uncertainty or a leadership vacuum within ODM, insisting that the party remains stable and firmly structured.
He emphasised that although Raila’s departure marks a historic political shift, ODM has a clear leadership line that must be respected.
“I want to call for the unity of our party. I also want to say that there is no vacuum,” Oburu said.
“Raila left very big shoes, but I have been given the shoes and I’m sitting there.”
His remarks appeared to respond to ODM leaders and members who have called for internal consultations to reorganise the party ahead of the next political cycle.
In particular, Oburu pushed back against comments from Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi, who had suggested that ODM needed to convene discussions to chart a way forward.
“Hon. Osotsi, don’t say that you are going to sit down to arrange. What are you going to arrange again?” Oburu posed, signalling that the party’s leadership is already intact and that further internal manoeuvres may create unnecessary tension.
Oburu urged party supporters and elected leaders to stand firmly behind ODM’s existing structures and avoid moves that could trigger fragmentation.
He warned that disunity would only weaken the party at a critical moment when national political realignments are emerging.
“I ask our people, please let us stand with ODM and let us not accept to be divided in any case,” he said.
The succession conversation within ODM has intensified in recent months, with Raila’s long-time allies and second-tier leaders expressing varying views about the party’s future direction.
Raila, who has dominated opposition politics for decades, left behind a powerful political machine whose next phase continues to draw attention.
Oburu’s message underscores an urgent call for cohesion: that the party must remain intact, disciplined and focused, even as it navigates one of the most significant transitions in its history.
Following former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s death, Oburu was subsequently named acting party leaders, a decision that has been upheld by the Orange party’s top organs.
